The Egypt eVisa validity period is 90 days (single-entry) or 180 days (multiple-entry) from issue, defining when you must enter Egypt, not how long you can stay. The maximum stay is 30 days per entry from arrival. Border control grants a 30-day stay stamp upon arrival, regardless of remaining validity window days. Apply 14 to 21 days before departure to preserve your Egypt eVisa validity period while allowing sufficient processing time.
What Is the Egypt eVisa Validity Period in 2026?
The single-entry Egypt eVisa validity period lasts 90 days from the date of issue, while the multiple-entry Egypt eVisa remains valid for 180 days. The Egypt eVisa validity period starts on the date of issue (system approval), not your application or travel date. The “valid until” date is the last day you may enter Egypt. Entering on Day 88 still grants a full 30-day stay.
Applying 60 days before departure and receiving approval in 2 days wastes approximately 58 days of your window. Submit your application 14-21 days before departure to balance the 5-7 business-day processing time against preserving your entry window.
When Does the 90-Day Validity Clock Start?
The Egypt eVisa validity period starts when the system approves and generates your digital visa, not on your application date or travel date. Per the Egyptian e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg), the issue date is system-generated and cannot be altered. Applying 60 days early with 2-day approval wastes approximately 58 days of your Egypt eVisa validity period.
What Does “Valid Until” Actually Mean on Your eVisa Document?
The “valid until” date printed on your Egypt eVisa marks the last day you may enter Egypt, not the last day you may remain. If your eVisa is valid until 15 December 2026, you may enter on 14 December and stay through 13 January 2027. The Egypt eVisa validity period governs entry permission only.
The 30-Day Maximum Stay Rule: How It Works and How to Count Your Days
Border control stamps a 30-day maximum stay upon arrival, counting your arrival date as Day 1. The Egypt eVisa validity period limits each visit to 30 days per entry. If you arrive on 1 October, you must depart by 30 October, which equals 29 full nights in Egypt.
Entering late (e.g., Day 88) does not reduce your stay. Border control still stamps a full 30 days. The Egypt eVisa validity period governs entry permission; the 30-day limit operates independently.
For multiple-entry Egypt eVisa holders, each entry resets the 30-day counter. Stays are not cumulative across visits.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry Egypt eVisa: Duration Rules Compared
Choose between the $30 USD single-entry Egypt eVisa with a 90-day window and the $65 USD multiple-entry Egypt eVisa with a 180-day window. Each entry under a multiple-entry Egypt eVisa resets the 30-day stay counter.
| eVisa Type | Validity Window | Max Stay Per Entry | Fee (USD) | Fee (GBP approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | 90 days from issue | Up to 30 days | $30 | ~£24 |
| Multiple-entry | 180 days from issue | Up to 30 days per visit | $65 | ~£52 |
Older sources cite $25 (single) and $60 (multiple), reflecting pre-2025 pricing or consular tariffs. The 2026 fees above are sourced from the Egyptian e-Visa portal.
When to Apply for Your Egypt eVisa: Timing Strategy
Apply 14-21 days before departure to balance the 5-7 business-day processing time against wasting your Egypt eVisa validity period.
Apply 60 days early
Approved in 2 days: wastes 58 days of validity
Apply 18 days early
Approved in 5 days: 13 days of buffer remains
Apply 5 days before departure
Processing may not complete in time
During peak season (October to March), allow extra time.
What Happens If You Overstay Your Egypt eVisa?
Exceeding the 30-day limit of your Egypt eVisa triggers a 14-day grace period before departure fines apply. A fine is levied upon departure, with amounts varying by overstay duration. Travellers report approximately 100 Egyptian pounds for a one-day overstay. There is no confirmed policy on whether fines affect future Egypt eVisa applications, but immigration records may flag overstayers. Do not rely on this grace period as a planned buffer.
Extending Your Stay in Egypt Beyond 30 Days
Extensions are available at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You will need your passport, passport photos, an application form, and a stated reason. Processing time varies with no published guarantee. Your 30-day stay may expire before the extension is approved, leaving you without legal status. Start the process well before your Egypt eVisa stay ends.
Egypt eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Which Option Suits Your 2026 Trip?
From 1 August 2026, Cairo Airport offers a digital Visa on Arrival for $36 (card only). The standard physical VOA costs $30 cash at airport kiosks. The Egypt eVisa costs $30 online with the same 30-day stay limit.
| Option | Cost | Payment | Advance Preparation | Stay Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt eVisa (single) | $30 | Card online | 14-21 days before travel | 30 days per entry |
| Egypt eVisa (multiple) | $65 | Card online | 14-21 days before travel | 30 days per entry |
| Standard VOA | $30 | Cash only | None | 30 days |
| Digital VOA (Cairo, from 1 Aug 2026) | $36 | Card only | None | 30 days |
The Egypt eVisa is recommended for certainty and faster airport processing. The VOA suits last-minute travellers who forgot to apply online.
Egypt eVisa Requirements: What You Need Before You Travel
Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. A printed copy of your Egypt eVisa is required at the port of entry. The passport used for your Egypt eVisa application must match the one you travel with.
Additional requirements: return or onward flight booking, hotel reservation or host address, and a supporting letter for business or family visits. British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies passport holders are ineligible for the Egypt eVisa online application.
Common mistakes: printed copy forgotten, passport mismatch, insufficient passport validity.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or immigration advice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official Egyptian e-Visa portal and the UK Government travel advice for Egypt before travelling. Updated: September 2026.
FAQ: Egypt eVisa Validity and Stay Rules
How long is an Egypt e-visa valid for in 2026?
A single-entry eVisa is valid for 90 days (3 months) from issue; a multiple-entry for 180 days (6 months). This window defines when you must enter, not how long you may stay.
What is the 30-day maximum stay rule for an Egypt e-visa?
Border control grants a stay of up to 30 days per entry. Your arrival date counts as Day 1, so you must depart by your 30th calendar day in Egypt.
Can I enter Egypt on the last day of my e-visa validity?
Yes. Entering on the final day of validity still grants the full 30-day stay. The “valid until” date is the last day you may enter, not the last day you may remain.
How do I calculate how many days I can stay in Egypt?
Count from your arrival date as Day 1. If you arrive on 5 March 2026, Day 1 is 5 March and Day 30 is 4 April. You must depart on or before 4 April.
Does each entry on a multiple-entry e-visa reset the 30-day stay?
Yes. Each time you enter Egypt on a multiple-entry eVisa, border control stamps a fresh 30-day stay. The stays are not cumulative.
FAQ: Practical Egypt eVisa Travel Issues
What happens if I overstay my Egypt e-visa by a few days?
Egypt grants a grace period of approximately 14 days beyond your permitted stay. A fine is levied upon departure, with amounts varying by overstay duration. Travellers report approximately 100 Egyptian pounds for a one-day overstay.
Can I extend my stay in Egypt beyond 30 days on an e-visa?
Extensions are possible through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You will need your passport, photos, an application form, and a stated reason. Processing time varies, and you risk having no legal status if your stay expires before approval.
When should I apply for an Egypt e-visa to avoid wasting the validity window?
Apply 14-21 days before departure: earlier wastes validity days, later risks the 5-7 business-day processing window.
What are the passport requirements for an Egypt e-visa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least one blank page. The passport used for application must be the same one you travel with.
Is the new digital visa on arrival at Cairo Airport the same as the e-visa?
No. From 1 August 2026, Cairo Airport offers a digital Visa on Arrival for $36 (card only). It provides the same 30-day stay but does not require advance application.
